#ikepri main story

[cheshireliam]

Azel Radwan Main Story: Chapter 3

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection; expect mistakes, grammatical errors, and some creative liberties. All original content and media used belongs to Cybird. Please support the game by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

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Azel: Good evening. I wanted to see you. 

Before I knew it, I was back here again. 

In the rose garden filled with unbloomed roses, stood a man with an otherworldly presence leaning against an oak table. 

I had a strange feeling that this had happened before, or perhaps it hadn’t. 

(For some reason, the living god’s presence feels oddly vivid.) 

Emma: … This is a dream, right? 

Azel: Who knows? There are no means to prove whether it is a dream or reality. 

Azel: Human wisdom has not advanced nearly enough to uncover the mysteries of dreams. 

Azel: It could very well be that the version of you here is the real one, or it could be the opposite.

(I think I get it… but at the same time I don't.) 

Azel: By the way, are you good at cooking?

The sudden shift to such a mundane topic coming from someone with that mysterious aura left me puzzled for a moment. 

Emma: I wouldn't say I’m especially good at it, but I can make something decent. 

Azel: That would be sufficient.  Actually, I have always been curious about the local cuisine of Rhodolite. 

Emma: … Why mention that all of a sudden?

Azel: Because I know what will happen in your future.

Azel: You will naturally understand when the time comes.

(It’s hard to believe, but I guess that’s just how gods are.)

Azel: Incidentally, I have yet to have my dinner today. 

Emma: Are you feeling unwell?

Azel: No, there were simply quite a number of things I was caught up in. 

Azel: You are a kind-hearted lady. Surely you would not be so cruel as to leave a starving god in the lurch, would you?

Emma: … This feels more like you’re blatantly pressuring me by indirectly saying “come cook something for me”, instead of giving your prophecy. 

Azel: Oh no, not at all. I am only casually mentioning that I prefer hearty meals over dessert. No hidden motives here.

(You definitely have hidden motives.)

Azel: Besides, “the other you” will hardly remember anything that happens here.

Azel: It would be pointless to pressure you here, yes? 

Azel flashed a benevolent smile— and the world started to grow distorted.

Azel: Ahh, how I look forward to it.

Azel: —... I’ve been meaning to get myself a slave.

…

Drawn by the sunlight, I jolted awake and found myself in the guest room I was assigned yesterday. 

(I was dreaming again.) 

(... The living god appeared in my dream.) 

As usual, memories of the dream had long crumbled into incomprehensible fragments.

The only thing that remained today was a single piece of information that he “preferred hearty meals over desserts”, which I couldn't quite understand.

An inexplicable feeling of dread drained the blood from my face. 

(It wasn’t a nightmare, but something still feels… strange.) 

…

Emma: There’s something I’ve been curious about for a while…

Emma: Owner, what is that over there?

The town surrounding Tanzanite’s castle was livelier than the one in Rhodolite. 

The reason was obvious— wherever you looked, you’d see tourists visiting from foreign countries.

Some were enjoying snacks bought from street vendors, while others were browsing gift shops selling local specialties such as pottery and textiles. 

Standing prominently in the center of the town, drawing in the most people, was a statue of the living god.

(I only managed to catch a brief glimpse of it when passing by yesterday…)

(But now that I’ve gotten a closer look at it, it looks very lifelike.) 

Akatsuki: It’s a tourist attraction that’s known for making wishes come true. 

Emma: Ah, so that’s why so many people are praying to it.

Akatsuki: Want to give it a try too? 

Emma: No… I’ll pass. 

(My wish is to “experience love”, but something tells me that this statue isn't what I should be praying to for that reason.)

(... It’s really just a gut feeling, though.) 

Emma: That aside, what’s our itinerary for today? 

Akatsuki: We’re delivering goods we were commissioned to bring.

Emma: So the living god isn't your only client here.

Akatsuki: I have about a hundred business partners here in Tanzanite. 

(That's a lot…) 

Akatsuki: I sell books to some of them, and exchange mine for different ones with the others. 

Akatsuki: Watch and learn.

Emma: Got it! I’ll do my best to learn as much as possible.

(This is nothing like watching over the bookstore back home. I must work harder.)

Feeling determined, I adjusted my mindset and hurried after the Owner who was already walking ahead of me.

But he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Akatsuki: … Looks like something happened.

Emma: …

A crowd was gathered a short distance away from where we were standing. It was different from the ones in town. 

Due to the efforts of the Tanzanite soldiers, the crowd was already starting to split up. But through the decreasing number of people present, I caught a glimpse of a man with a swollen face.

Emma: That looks awful. Did a fight break out, perhaps?

???: Something similar. It's been a frequent occurrence lately. 

(Ah, this voice…) 

I turned around to see Basil carrying a large amount of baggage.

Kamal, looking as strikingly beautiful as ever, drew stares from everyone around her.

Basil: It’s most likely a case whereby that diviner misinterpreted a divine message. 

Emma: What do you mean? 

Basil: Divination in Tanzanite is considered an interpretation of God's will, performed by reading the stars and conveyed as divine messages.

Basil: Being god himself, His Holiness Azel speaks directly to the people and his words are considered divine messages. However… 

Basil: A diviner’s skill level depends on how accurately interpret God’s intentions. 

(Now that he mentioned it…)

[ Flashback ]

Azel: Reading the stars is the most fundamental part of divination in our country, after all.  

Emma: Reading the stars…?

Azel: So-called “astrology”. Although the popular method used here is one that is unique to Tanzanite.

[ Flashback End ]

(So that’s what he meant by “unique”.) 

Basil: But recently, there seem to be many diviners misinterpreting the divine messages…

Basil: And sometimes, angry clients who feel that it’s blasphemy lash out on them. 

It was a logic I couldn't quite understand.

(Divination can be sometimes right and sometimes wrong. Isn’t that how it works?) 

Emma: … Is there no room for mistakes at all?

Basil: Well, there’s a possibility that a divination could alter a person’s life. 

Basil: It requires a certain level of resolve to call oneself a diviner in this country. 

(Perhaps this concept is hard for me to understand because I’m from another country.) 

Basil: As if the views of His Holiness Azel could ever be so vulgar that an ordinary diviner can interpret them.

Basil’s facial expression seemed to darken ever so slightly as he adjusted his glasses.  

(Maybe Basil has his own opinions on his… look out!) 

The act of adjusting his glasses caused the balance of his baggage to shift, and the Owner moved at lightning speed to catch it. 

Basil: Oh dear, I’ve done it again! Thank you so much. 

Akatsuki: No worries. Is it for a banquet? 

(I thought so too.)

Basil’s baggage contained a large amount of food supplies, so much that he was struggling to walk straight. I definitely wouldn't have been able to carry that big of a load. 

Basil: No, I’m just running an errand. 

Basil: It looks like an unusually large amount of food, but I’m sure it’ll be used for a noble purpose. 

(If he says “for a noble purpose”, it must be an errand for Azel.) 

Basil was the only one running errands. Kamal, on the other hand, was carrying nothing at all. 

When our eyes met, she pulled out a single letter with her long and beautiful fingers.

Akatsuki: Is it a new order? 

The Owner unsealed the envelope on the spot, and his brows furrowed the moment he read the contents of the letter. 

Emma: … What’s wrong? 

Akatsuki: It says that there are clues leading to a book I’m looking for.

Akatsuki: … But something’s not right.

Emma: Isn’t that a good thing? 

Akatsuki: If he intended to tell me, he could’ve done so yesterday.

Akatsuki: And yet, he chose to send the message the next day and ask for me to go retrieve said clues. 

(... It does seem like there’s some sort of ulterior motive.) 

Basil: His Holiness extends his apologies for the blunder.

Basil: He says that he “carelessly forgot to mention it”.

Akatsuki: …

Akatsuki: Anyway, I won’t have the time to go collect it any time soon.

(He’s definitely scheduled to meet many clients after this.)

(... But knowing the Owner, he’d give anything to obtain information about books…)

(And it might come off as disrespectful to refuse a god’s act of goodwill.) 

(Alright, this is where I step in as his assistant.)

I raised my hand as the Owner’s expression remained stern.

Emma: Shall I go instead? 

…

Azel: I sincerely apologise for forgetting such important information. 

After parting ways with the Owner, I visited Azel’s dwelling along with Basil and Kamal, where I was warmly welcomed.

The timing at which he came out of the building as though he foresaw our arrival further reinforced my belief that he truly possessed mysterious powers.

Azel: Thank you for your efforts. Please bring the items inside. 

Basil’s eyes were sparkling and full of admiration… only for Kamal to roughly grab and drag him inside.

(Now it’s only the two of us.)

Emma: I’m here as a representative of the Owner. I was told that you have a clue about the book he’s looking for…

Azel: Indeed. I will give you a map. 

Azel turned his back to me and started walking.

He looked back at me with a glance that said “follow me”, and so I hurried to catch up.

(Are his legs just long or is he walking unusually fast…!?)

I scrambled to keep up with him, following Azel through the uniquely shaped entrance, and—

…

Emma: … Huh?

I stopped in my tracks, blinking several times and pinching my own cheek.

That hurt.

Azel: Is something wrong? 

Emma: No… 

(Wha… how was this even created!?) 

It was as if I had stepped into an entirely different world altogether.

Unlike the weathered exterior walls, the interior of the temple was in pristine condition. You couldn't tell that the structure was a thousand years old. 

It didn't look on the verge of collapsing at all.

Although it didn't exactly give off the impression of a newly built structure, calling it a “castle” would be perfectly fitting. 

(I thought this was just an isolated castle in the desert at first, and it looks like I wasn't entirely wrong.)

Emma: You have a nice place.

Azel: Right? Everyone worries about me, but the renovation works have made this place rather comfortable.

Azel: You have a good eye. I am impressed that your first impression was that this place looks nice.

(He seems quite happy about it.)

Azel: The right side of the building is newly renovated and has no problems, but the left side is partially collapsed.

Azel: If you ever want to have a look around, please refrain from going to the left side at all times.

Azel: If you do happen to go there by accident,—

Emma: … What happens then? 

Azel: Fufu. 

(I have to be extra careful not to wander over there by mistake.)

Azel: Watch your step. 

Azel started climbing the stairs, heading to the right. 

While hurrying after him, I took a quick glance to the left and noticed that the area was shrouded in faint darkness despite the sun being directly overhead. 

(... Perhaps the renovations on that side aren't complete yet.) 

Beyond the entrance hall that was also beautifully restored.

Azel walked briskly ahead of me and stopped in front of a door.

Azel: Please, come on in.

While still trying to catch my breath, I entered the room through the open doorway without a second thought…

…

What awaited me wasn't a guest room, but instead a kitchen.

(... Why?) 

The neatly arranged room was littered with the large amount of groceries Basil was carrying earlier on.

Questions began piling up in my mind as I picked up a fruit that rolled out of a bag. 

Emma: Your Holiness… is the map in the kitchen? 

Azel: Of course it isn't. Are you an idiot?

Emma: !?

(Wait, was that… someone else’s voice…?

Bang. The door slammed shut. 

Leaning on the door to block my escape, Azel smirked. 

Azel: Well then, it’s collection time.

Emma: C-collect… what…?

Azel: Take this. 

He pulled a letter out of who knows where and thrust it out at me.

Emma: This is… 

I rubbed my eyes and looked at it again.

No matter how many times I looked, the letter unmistakably stated “Invoice for Divination Services”. 

The numbers written on it were astronomical, a sum of money I never would've even dreamed of seeing in my entire lifetime. 

Emma: … Is this addressed to me?

Azel: Indeed it is. 

Emma: My apologies, but I have no clue what this is about.

Azel: Don't tell me you thought I performed the art of divination for free?

Emma: … What.

Azel: Wow, you’re unbelievably senseless. Don’t take me so lightly.

(Yesterday's divination wasn't free!?) 

I quickly reeled in my fading consciousness.

Emma: But you said it was a token of gratitude…!

Azel: There are countless people who want to receive my divination but they can’t. 

Azel: The privilege of being given such an opportunity is the “token of gratitude”. 

Emma: You never said anything about that yesterday!

Azel: Because it's common knowledge.

Emma: It’s not common knowledge where I’m from! 

Azel: Your ignorance isn't my problem.

(This swindler!!) 

The kind and benevolent god I saw yesterday— seemed to have been nothing more than an illusion.

(Could this be the god’s true nature?) 

[ Flashback ] 

Clavis: But it surprised me. You’re the current “Belle” who’s supposedly adept at determining a person’s true nature. 

Clavis: … No, rather, perhaps it was precisely because you “saw through him” that you had that impression of him?

Clavis: Hmm, how fascinating. I wonder which of us is the one seeing an illusion.

[ Flashback End ]

(— So that’s what he meant. Some Belle I am.) 

Azel: Ah, but you don't have to worry. I’m not so cruel as to demand payment immediately.

Azel: I offer two payment options, either by cash or hard labour.

(Neither of those make me feel any better.)

Azel: You don't look like you have any money. Do you? 

Azel: You’d have to work like a slave to pay off a sum this hefty…

Azel: Do your best. 

Seeing that benevolent smile only made me all the more furious.

(Everyone's been fooled.) 

(This man is no compassionate god. If anything…)

Emma: You malicious god! 

Azel: Oh my. Insulting me now, are you? Foreign girls really have a different kind of boldness.

Azel: Well, I suppose that is true. 

As I shot him a glare, Azel grabbed my chin with his large hand— 

Azel: Shall I show you what happens when you defy me?  

[aishangotome]

Azel Radwan: Dramatic Ending Epilogue

Dramatic Ending Ch. 25 His Side Story

Thank you @passthechloroform for providing the video for this chapter!

Tanzanite, with its god gone, did not change overnight.

People still revered Azel, and the markets were lined with commemorative coins and statues of him.

But to say that nothing had changed would also be untrue.

Before, every three steps you took in the city would lead you to a divination shop, but now their numbers had dwindled.

Instead, you could stumble upon bookstores, which had been impossible to find before, no matter how much you wandered around.

(Just as the letter said…)

(Tanzanite now presents a golden opportunity for booksellers to expand their market.)

*flashback*

Akatsuki: You want to do business in Tanzanite?

Emma: Yes. I thought that if we open a sales channel now, we might be able to establish a Tanzanite branch eventually.

Emma: Wouldn’t it be easier for the Owner, who travels to every country on the continent, to operate with several bases?

Akatsuki: …That makes sense.

Emma: Right? Actually, it seems Tanzanite is making a national effort to attract booksellers…

Emma: I think it’s a good opportunity to make a lot of money.

Akatsuki: Do you want to go?

Emma: If you’ll allow it.

Akatsuki: I’ll allow the business.

Emma: …!

Akatsuki: But, I won’t allow any unhealthy relationships before marriage.

Emma: Wh-What do you mean?

Akatsuki: Your objective is the dead god.

Akatsuki: He even sends you letters every time. How unsightly.

Emma: …Then, would you allow a healthy relationship?

Akatsuki: …

Akatsuki: If anything happens to you, I’ll kill that god.

*flashback over*

(I can’t tell the Owner about that night, not even if my mouth is torn apart.)

Just remembering it made me blush, and I shook my head as if to dispel those thoughts.

My objective today was market research –– to assess the demand and see what kind of books were needed. That was my job.

(Huh? There’s a crowd over there.)

(It doesn’t seem to be related to bookstores, but this is also part of market research.)

(I might be able to learn about the current trends in Tanzanite, so let’s go.)

I never imagined that my casual decision to join the crowd out of curiosity would ––

––lead to a tragedy later on.

-

Azel: …And?

Emma: …It was a soap shop.

Emma: They sell soap made by a famous perfumer, and it seems to have a reputation for smelling very good.

Emma: I thought I’d like to try it too… so I reached for it.

Azel: There must have been other selling points besides it smelling good.

Emma: ………… That it can captivate the person you’re interested in.

Azel: Sigh… Why do you fall for such obvious traps?

Emma: Because I wouldn’t think something like that would be sold openly in the city!

(This sense of déjà vu… I remember this.)

When I used the soap I bought at the market in the bath, my body started to feel strange by the time I got out.

The enchantingly pleasant scent gradually induced a feverish heat, making my skin unbearably sensitive.

The mere rubbing of my negligee against my skin made my stomach tingle strangely, and my heart pounded like a drum.

I felt like I could faint from shame at any moment.

Azel: Listen, Tanzanite is famous for its songs, dances, and harem.

Azel: It’s not uncommon for people from the harem to sell shady goods in the city to earn some extra money.

Emma: …I didn’t know that.

Azel: Think of “captivating the person you’re interested in” as a catchphrase for aphrodisiacs. It was a good lesson, wasn’t it?

(I never thought I’d experience this feeling again.)

The effects of this aphrodisiac seemed to be even stronger than the perfume mixed with the aphrodisiac ingredients from last time, and if I let my guard down, indecent sounds would escape my lips.

(…I want to cry…)

Azel: Hey, don't make that face like you're about to cry.

Azel: The quickest way to get rid of an aphrodisiac is–

*flashback*

Azel: In reality, an aphrodisiac will naturally leave your system with time.

Azel: All you can do is sleep or distract yourself, those are your two options.

*flashback over*

(I’ll just hide in the kitchen like last time, that’s what I’ll do.)

(I can’t let Azel see my unsightly behavior.)

In the middle of his lecture, I turned my back on him and reached for the door as if to escape.

Azel: Where are you going?

Emma: To cook.

Azel: Huh?

Emma: I’m going to cool my head, so please don’t mind me and go to sleep, Prince Azel.

Emma: Good night!

-

Emma: …Why are you following me!?

Azel: …I’m not following you. I’m thirsty.

Azel, who had followed me to the kitchen without a care in the world, poured water into a ceramic cup, just as he had said.

Even after taking a sip and wetting his throat, he showed no sign of leaving.

Azel: Do you want some too?

Emma: …

(Last time, you confined me here and left on your own.)

(…Thinking about it now, that was probably an act of mercy to prevent anyone from seeing my embarrassing behavior.)

(I’d like you to show me the same mercy this time…)

Azel: What is it? You’ve been staring at me.

Emma: You know what I want to say, right?

Azel: Not at all.

Emma: Leave me alone.

Azel: This is my castle.

Emma: Are you okay with being attacked by me?

I tried to push Azel out of the kitchen, but–

(H-He won’t budge…!)

He looked at me with a mixture of amusement and pity.

Azel: What are you doing?

Emma: You wicked god– Ah, no, you’re not a god anymore.

Emma: Um… Wicked person!

Azel: Congratulations on increasing your debt through insults.

Emma: …I understand. You don’t want tomorrow’s meal, then. It was going to be a special dish with meat.

Azel: If that’s what you wish, I’ll obediently return to my room. Goodbye.

(This tactic was the most effective after all.)

Azel briskly headed for the exit, but he turned around before leaving the kitchen.

Azel: However, you should know what an aphrodisiac is.

Azel: It’s actually easier to let it out than to endure it.

(…I know.)

My body, forcibly heated by the aphrodisiac, was aching to the point that I wanted to scratch it, and I unconsciously followed Azel's hand with my eyes.

(If I could just have his hand touch me…)

I slapped my cheeks with both hands as if to resist the temptation and shook my head.

Emma: Thank you for your concern. But I’m fine.

Azel: Why are you so stubborn?

Azel: We’ve already crossed the line.

Emma: …That’s true, but…

Emma: If you touch me like that night, I’ll probably become a mess.

Azel: It might be a good lesson.

Emma: …If Prince Azel were to hate me, I wouldn’t be able to recover.

Azel: Why would that happen?

(Because…)

Emma: You don’t have good memories of aphrodisiacs, do you?

*flashback*

Emma: In the first place, I’ve never used or even seen an aphrodisiac, so I don’t know what it’s like…

Azel: Huh? You’ve never seen one in your life?

Emma: Of course not!

Azel: There are people like that?

*flashback over*

(Because of his position as God, people around Azel-sama tried every trick in the book to get him interested in women.)

(I’ve never asked for details, but I’m sure he’s been tormented by unwanted aphrodisiacs.)

Azel: …Indeed, as you said, I’ve been through a lot with aphrodisiacs.

Azel: I have nothing but unpleasant memories of being forced to watch women lose control in front of me.

Emma: Then–

Azel: But you’re not…

Azel: …

Emma: …Prince Azel?

Azel: ..............

Azel: I hate being attacked.

Emma: I think anyone would.

Azel: That’s right. So I came up with a great idea.

(Huh, the atmosphere suddenly became ominous.)

Even though he was supposed to be heading outside, Azel came back to me for some reason.

When I casually tried to move away, he wrapped his arms around my waist.

Emma: Ah…

An unfamiliar sensation set my entire body ablaze with shame, and I reflexively pushed back against his chest.

But instead of moving away, Azel brought his lips to my ear and breathed a sigh.

Azel: It’s fine to attack before you’re attacked, like this.

Emma: That’s not good, not good at all… Mm!

My ear was nibbled, and indecent gasps melted into the kitchen air.

Emma: No… This really… won’t end well… so… Ah.

The hand that had been resting on my waist slid down and slipped between my legs, along with my negligee.

With just a light touch, my vision went white, and my body trembled as my strength gave out.

Azel: How could you say you were fine in this state?

Azel lifted me up as I collapsed on the floor.

Emma: …I could… evaporate from embarrassment right now…

Azel: If you haven’t evaporated yet, you’ll be fine.

Azel carried me outside and headed for his room with quick steps.

Even the wind that enveloped my body brought me slight pleasure, and I felt a sensation of honey dripping from my lower abdomen.

Emma: ………… Prince Azel.

Azel: It’s not unpleasant or uncomfortable.

Azel: …You’re different from other women.

Just as he said, Azel didn’t seem uncomfortable at all. In fact, his slightly unfocused gaze seemed to reveal his true feelings.

Azel: I can stop if you’re seriously against it.

(Honestly, I’m scared… but…)

(…If… Azel… doesn’t mind…)

I grabbed Azel's clothes and exhaled as if to release the intense heat within me.

Emma: …Touch… me… please…

-

As soon as we returned to the room, Azel stripped me of my negligee and sat me on the bed, embracing me from behind.

Emma: Gasp... Ah...

The mere act of his palm cupping my breast sent a jolt through my core, and when he pressed against my hardened nipple, my vision blurred to white.

Each time his lips grazed my ear, a sweet nectar overflowed in response, and my whole body trembled as his finger, coated with it, slipped inside me.

Even after all this, the aphrodisiac still lingered in my body, and my hips moved involuntarily, matching the rhythm of his finger swirling within me.

Emma: Nn... ...Aah...

Azel effortlessly supported me as I slumped against him, limp.

Azel: Are you alive?

Emma: Barely... alive...

Azel: That's good to hear.

Azel: Learn from this and never touch those "captivate your beloved" concoctions again.

Azel: Besides, even without using such things––

Azel: ...

Emma: ...Even without?

Azel: Why are you so focused on that part?

Emma: Nn...! Don't touch me th-there... aaah!

He hooked a finger around the sensitive swell, now slick with nectar, and another burst of wicked pleasure exploded from my core.

My breath hitched, hot and ragged, and my consciousness almost drifted off into a dream.

Azel: You make that kind of face too, huh?

Azel: ...I feel like I'm the one who's been ravished, even though I'm the one who attacked you.

(I'm... too scared to ask what kind of face I'm making... but...)

Azel's expression as he gazed at me was so alluring it made my heart ache.

That unexpected, worldly expression, so far removed from his usual sanctity—

Our eyes met, and our lips found each other as if drawn together by an invisible force.

(I've had enough of aphrodisiacs... )

(But if it means I can see that look on your face when you desire me... maybe it's not all bad.)

---

(Suspicious Solicitation)

※ This letter has been sent to all booksellers ※

In Tanzanite, a city overflowing with tourist attractions, bookstores are opening one after another.

With the decline of divination, once a symbolic industry of the nation, the demand for knowledge is on the rise.

Furthermore, the nation is currently offering generous support to foreign booksellers, allowing you to start your business immediately.

Tanzanite is now a dreamland where anyone with the skills of a bookseller can easily become a business owner – an opportunity no one in the trade would want to miss.

So, what do you think? It's piqued your interest, hasn't it? It would be a shame to let this big-money chance slip away.

We are currently offering passage to Tanzanite at a special price.

If you are interested in visiting, please contact us at the address below.

P.S. This letter has been sent to all booksellers. Don't try to investigate this offer with your colleagues out of suspicion.

Also, we don't particularly need you to come quickly, nor do we necessarily want a reply.

Don't misunderstand... Absolutely do not misunderstand.

Azel Radwan

--

FIN

.

.

.

Both Endings Epilogue

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[maladaptivedaydreamsx]

💚 Keith main route: romantic end spoilers ⚠️

[scorchieart]

✮ 24-Hour WIP Poll ✮

Enough is enough, I need to pick one of these and commit to it till the end!

Hello, friends! It's been a hectic summer, but I hope you are all well! I think I've finally broken out of my writing slump (here's hoping) and I'm ready to wrestle these WIPs into proper paragraphs, and I'd love to hear your feedback on which story you'd like to read first ⭐

Rules: make a 24-hr poll with your WIPs. Then for whichever wins, write one sentence for each vote it gets.

I was tagged ages ago by @syneilesis & @kissmetwicekissmedeadly, so many thanks to them for the boost! And I'll tag any other writers who would like to give this a shot 👍

[dear-mrs-otome]

Silvio Ricci - Main Story - Chp 12

Standard Disclaimer: I do this for fun. I don’t, and never would, claim to be proficient at JP. There will be mistakes herein. There will be dialogue I choose to smooth out or change, because it feels choppy just straight translating. There will be the occasional snarky aside and irreverence and just plain summarizing. If you’re looking for 100% pure accuracy, without commentary or localizing, this is not for you. If you don’t mind that…then proceed, and I hope you enjoy! And please, support your local localizer (they make this stuff look easy) and Cybird by playing the games and routes when they come to English.

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Keith’s given Emma a surprise apology gift - but it’s one she never would have expected to create such a disaster...

In a modiste’s shop Rio is flabbergasted by Silvio’s gaudy taste, a dismay that Silvio fails to understand, claiming that every woman likes this kinda stuff. 

“Please, do not lump Emma in with ‘every’ woman!” Rio protests, adding that the women Silvio’s referring to probably aren’t even that ‘normal’ either. 

“You tryin’ to pick a fight, asshole?” Silvio growls, and Rio’s more than ready to rumble before Emma herself has to step in and defuse the situation, pleading with them both for calm.

She's despairing to herself how the two of them together just can’t seem to not be at each other’s throats. They’re practically ready to come to blows right here in the middle of this shop Silvio’s suggested.

The poor clerk on duty even is bewildered, and the whole scene has Emma chagrined. But she gets, kinda of, what Rio is trying to say. The dress that Silvio’s trying to push her towards sparkles and glitters so brightly she could be mistake for a star in it. It looks like the sort of dress some sort of high-stepping noblewoman would love…but it doesn’t feel like something she herself could wear.

It’s a gorgeous dress, one she’s sure must cost another fortune.

“Woman, hurry and change,” Silvio orders her. 

She waffles, before speaking up. “I’d like it if you let me choose for myself…”

“Not gonna happen.”

“Why not?!” she exclaims, and Silvio replies that if he lets her pick the dress, she’ll be concerned first and foremost with the price, and choosing something plain will defeat the entire purpose of this.

He never planned on letting her choose, it seems, and she’s dismayed to realize he’s so easily predicted her.

Rio, however, quickly jumps to her defense and points out that Emma has her own tastes and preferences, as he picks up a much more modest dress trimmed with delicate lace that Emma finds the most appealing of what’s in the shop. 

“Seems plain,” Silvio scoffs. 

Rio counters that it’s not always about what something costs - you have to keep the person it’s for in mind when you’re choosing clothes…an assertion that Silvio greets with a silent scowl. 

Emma hastily jumps in and tells Silvio that it’s not that the dress bothers her, it’s just that she doesn’t feel like showy clothes suit her well. 

Silvio mocks her for being a shabby sort of woman, which she takes affront to, but he shrugs the whole thing off and instructs her to go get changed - surprising Emma with his apparent willingness to concede to the dress Rio’s picked out. Silvio says it doesn’t matter all that much in the end, it’ll be find just as long as she doesn’t look like some commoner since the auction they’re attending has a dress code at the venue. 

She’s appalled, because she hadn’t even considered that, and as Rio has the clerk prepare the fitting room he mentions how it was a bit unexpected that Keith’s ‘apology’ gift was an invitation to an auction. 

She thinks back to how Keith had asked if she was interested in such a thing, and she had admitted she didn’t really have a lot of experience with such things…but Rhodolite is a country with a lot of appreciation for art so they go hand in hand. And she’d been very curious to go just to spectate at least. 

Rhodolite has countless artisans, from painters to sculptors, writers, craftsmen, instrument makers, metalworkers, and many more who all make unique items. Because of this it’s easier to hold auctions to put artists and buyers in contact and they’ve become quite common in the country…or so it says in the guidebook to Rhodolite she’d read in her efforts to be a good hostess to Silvio.

But despite having been born and raised in Rhodolite herself, she’d never been to an auction or any of these places where the wealthy rub elbows. It was the sort of thing she’d like to experience for herself at least once in her life. 

A satisfied Keith had said that if she was even remotely curious about auctions he thought she’d have a good time, and since this one is invitation-only it’s even more exclusive than usual. There are supposed to be many rare things, a veritable treasure trove of jewels there, and since she seems to like gems and jewelry, he imagined she’d enjoy just having the chance to see them all. 

Confused, Emma asked if she’d ever said that she liked that sort of thing, and Keith had told her no - but he’d heard from Silvio the other day that he had given Emma jewelry. “And since you seem to be wearing it even now, I thought you liked that…”

It made sense then, and she had realized that Prince Keith had had no idea that Silvio had been forcing her to wear the collar. 

“Am I perhaps wrong?” Keith had asked her, hesitantly, and she hastily assured him that she found jewelry beautiful and interesting. Conjuring up a white lie about her interest in the subject to mollify his anxious expression. But they were rather fun to look at, she admitted to herself, and she had asked him if she could indeed have an invitation after all.

Back in the moment, she’s looking forward to getting to experience an auction for the first time. She looks over at Silvio, he of the crossed arms and sour face right now, and he catches her look.

“...What?” he asks.

“Nothing,” she hastily answers. In truth, she’s still in disbelief that Silvio’s attending the auction with them at all. 

He had seemed surprised when she’d told him of the invitation she’d received from Keith and how she had planned to attend tomorrow with Rio, and asked if he knew of it - surely he would, given how it’s been billed as a ‘treasure trove of gems’.

It had been a casual mention, brought up in their chatting, but for some reason Silvio had paused his drinking and frowned in silence.

 

“..Why that auction, of all things?” he’d asked, seemingly to himself. 

When she had tried to ask what he meant by that, Silvio had waved it off - before abruptly declaring that he would go with her. 

Both she and Rio had been taken aback (Rio especially displeased) but Silvio had chided them not to look so disgruntled by the idea. “Neither you nor the dog have ever gone to an auction. I’ll go along and you’ll be thanking me for it.”

“Are you maybe...worried about me?” Emma had ventured.

But Silvio had scoffed at the very idea of worrying over her. “I’ve just been meaning to make an appearance at the auction house for awhile now. I’ll take advantage of this opportunity and join you guys.”

Which is how Emma made plans to attend the auction with both Rio and Silvio, and how they had ended up on a detour here at the clothiers, with Silvio declaring they first had to do something about Emma’s blah appearance.

If she’s being honest with herself, it’s actually reassuring to have Silvio along…but she can’t help wondering - what was the reason for his frown when she first mentioned the auction?

~~~~~~

Some time later, with Silvio having bought her the dress Rio had suggested, she’s put together like a proper noblewoman and they head directly to the auction venue. She’s blown away by the upper-crust atmosphere, which isn’t quite up to the levels of luxury seen at the court but is certainly nothing to sneeze at. Emma’s taking it all in, wide-eyed, as the auctioneer talks up a stunning piece of jewelry, and she thinks that Keith was right about this being something worht seeing. 

The items on display for auction are gathered up on the stage, all jewelry and adornments of the sort Silvio would wear, beautiful works of art in and of themselves. Aloud, she says how she’s not exactly some expert on jewelry and gems but even from here she can tell how gorgeous these pieces are. 

Silvio agrees that everything is top notch here, only for Rio to point out that he hasn’t bought a thing despite that. 

“I don’t feel like it,” Silvio says dismissively. 

“That’s a surprise. I thought you liked jewelry…” Emma says.

“I don’t particularly. It’s just that my position doesn’t allow for me to dress poorly,” he replies. “Wear something of value, and you’re seen as a person of value. And conversely, wear poor things and you’re seen as a person of no consequence. That’s just how it goes.”

She supposes that makes some sense - that for Silvio, jewelry is merely a tool to better himself. It might not be something he actually loves.

Silvio says that even if the stuff here is superb, he doesn’t feel like buying it. He praises the settings the gems are placed in, the precious metalwork that frames them, and Emma is confused. Asking if that isn’t a good thing that they’re exquisite? Silvio agrees that it is, and normally he’d probably buy all of this up…if not for the whole thing with that eyepatch bastard.

Eyepatch bastard? She’s wondering if he’s talking about Gilbert, and why his name has suddenly entered the conversation.

Rio, however, seems to understand something she doesn’t, and he looks pensive. “I see. The fact that everything is of such high quality makes no sense.”

“What do you mean?” Emma asks.

“Because this is Rhodolite, right? We don’t have as many mines as other countries,” Rio explains, going on to add how Rhodolite basically can’t be picky as to what gems it cuts and shapes and sets into pieces. “Didn’t Silvio just say how all the gems are of the highest quality? That’d be impossible here in Rhodolite.”

The implications of what they’re saying starts to sink in for her, as Silvio tells her how even in Benitoite, where they have access to all the trade and passage of goods, wouldn’t allow for an auction like this made up of only the best of the best. 

“There’s only one country on the continent capable of it…” Rio says.

Ores…mines. A country of ore and military might. 

Silvio covers her mouth with his hand, before she can say the name of the country that comes to mind. “Absolutely not another word on this. Just have fun for the moment and enjoy the rare gems.”

After that, she sees countless jewels that are enchantingly beautiful…but she can’t quell the unrest in her heart. When the auction comes to a close, servants at the venue escort Silvio and them to the lounge, since the head of the auction house seemed to want to greet him.

“Here.” Silvio surprises her by tossing her the ‘featured item’ of the auction, which he’d been idly toying with. 

“Don’t do that!” she exclaims. “That little doggie is worth a fortune!”

“The stone’s sturdy. It’s not gonna break if you drop it,” he grins.

 

That’s not exactly the issue here, she thinks, as she look over what he’s given her. It’s a statue of a little dog, carved from an enormous, palm-sized gemstone. The jewel pup’s little head wears a crown of pure gold, and it’s so glittering and beautiful she can’t help being fascinated. Even to her untrained eye, it’s clearly wonderfully made, and she’s enchanted by the color, quality, and how stinking cute it is.

Silvio explains that he bought it just to sort of check things out, and it's definitely top tier stuff - much to Emma's internal dismay that he just bought the premiere item on a whim.

But that's not the real issue here. "Trading with the countries that produce this ore is supposed to be forbidden," Emma notes.

"Right? Rhodolite banned all Obsidian goods from entering this country ten years ago," Silvio agrees. "The same goes for us in Benitoite, as allies."

She thinks on the Bloodstained Rose Day ten years ago, the Obsidian invasion that led to so many Rhodolite deaths, and how relations between the two countries had been severed that day. “So if everything at this auction is from Obsidian…”

“It’s certainly illegal,” Rio agrees, noting that profits from the auction are probably going straight to Obsidian too.

Emma wasn’t personally affected by the Bloodstained Rose Day, but that doesn’t make it any easier for her to stomach the origin of these jewels - there’s no forgiving Obsidian’s tyranny. 

Rio points out that there’s something even more serious than the fact that this is Obsidian material being sold here - the organizer of the auction is a wealthy Benitoite merchant. Silvio doesn’t seem surprised to find out that Rio had checked things out before coming, and Rio agrees that he couldn’t let his mistress go somewhere without knowing more about it…although Emma was totally clueless that he’d been poking into it.

“Benitoite citizens distributing Obsidian gems…just like how Silvio had suggested the possibility of alliance with Obsidian, there’s a chance some people already are working together without our knowledge,” Rio surmises.

“What, seriously?” Emma’s aghast, and turns to look at Silvio reflexively. 

He leans back in his chair and snorts. “What of it?”

“You’re not going to do anything about this auction, are you?” Rio accuses.

“Obviously. What’s the upside for me if I do?” Silvio retorts on a smirk. “All that matters is that the Benitoite folks are coming out ahead in their business dealings.”

Silvio’s an ally that judges things by worth, she knows. If he’s aware the auction is illegal, and makes no move to stop it, that’s because he sees more benefit in the Obsidian ore. Which means that although she and Rio are both doing their best to impress Silvio with Rhodolite’s worth, it’s still not enough.

She hugs the little statue tightly, and Rio puts a hand on her shoulder. Aloud he draws the line between money that flows into Obsidian supporting its war efforts against Rhodolite…and how much he can’t stand the idea of that.

He turns a direct gaze on Silvio. “Now that I know about the auction, I’ll work with the other princes. I’m not about to let Emma’s smile fade.”

She’s heartened to have his unwavering support, Rio helping her work through difficult times together as he always has.

Silvio challenges Rio to go ahead and try, if he thinks he can - but he knows there’s only so much a coward can accomplish. But an undaunted Rio just tells him that he’s unbeatable when he’s with Emma…much to Silvio’s displeased silence. 

Just as Silvio’s clicked his tongue with disgust, a knock comes at the door. “Pardon the interruption,” the head of the auction house calls as he enters, making further apologies.

Silvio waves them off, and bluntly asks the man what he wants from him. The manager tells Silvio he has something he’d like to show him…and he suggests that Silvio bring the young lady along with him as well.

Emma realizes he means her, and she wonders if the man has some special items that’s difficult to put a price tag on.

“Show me,” Silvio orders him, standing from his chair to follow the man. 

Rio and Emma move to follow as well, but the manager shakes his head at Rio. “Apologies, butler, but would you mind waiting here for them? What I’m about to show them is too special for any servant’s eyes.”

Now Emma’s really wondering what the heck he’s planning to show them, as she exchanges looks with Rio. At her assurance she’ll be fine, he bids her go, and she follows Silvio and the manager from the room. 

Once gone, Rio surveys the room, and aloud he observes that he understands - the real focus here isn’t Silvio or Emma. It’s him.

As if in reply, the door opens on a laughing Gilbert. “Right on the mark.”

The click of his cane echoes through the room as he enters, and the air goes tense. He explains to a wary Rio how he’s gone to lengths to get Rio alone, where they can’t be spied on…and taps his cane once more. “I have a very special tale to tell you.”

~~~~~~~~

For reference - you don't receive this intimacy item until chp 17 but I'm sure it's the same pupper statue Silvio gives Emma here:

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<< Chp 11 | Chp 13 >> (TBC)

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Taglist (let me know if you want added or removed!) :

@violettduchess @brightvalkyrie @pkmnmstrchf @nikiotome @faeriesplaygames @curious-skybunny @strawberryxlove @rikumorimachisgirl @sallylovessweets @wordycheeseblob

[theimaginativelyreticent]

Clavis Lelouch

Story Events:

Dream of a Beast - Chp 1 || Chp 2 || Sweet End || Premium (His POV) || Epilogue

Haunted Night - chap 1 // chap 2 // Sweet End // Premium End //Epilogue

My Honey's a Bunny? - chap 1 & chap 2 // Sweet End // Premium End //Epilogue

Collection Event:

Ikepri 2024 Election CE

Playing Pretend

Christmas with the Beast

💗💗Ikepri MasterList 💗💗 Main Masterlist 💗💗

[judesmoonbeauty]

New Year Blog Goals

Hey, hey!

In short, this is a thanks to you all for your support this year, JMB blog overhaul updates, and blog goals for 2025!

And in case you all don't read it (and that's cool): I wish you all heaps of happiness and warmth for the upcoming year!

So, I just wanted to take the time to sit down and thank you all so much for your support of my blog this past year!!

It was a bit crazy with my blog being reported and having a handful of my translations deleted by Tumblr (still traumatized by that), to personal irl things that happened with the weather and such. Anyways......

I started this blog just over a year ago solely to lurk for IkePri and IkeVil JP spoilers, but because I am impatient beyond words I decided to start playing JP servers myself.

One thing snowballed into another, and then I started translating and writing fanfics (which I thought I'd NEVER do)....and here we are.

Looking back to my very first translation (IkePri's New Year Event for 2024), I shudder....a lot. And then there is my first ever IkeVil translation (Ellis' Past Records), and I shudder even more......they are nightmares of a translation.

Still, looking back to then and comparing them to what I can accomplish now, I think I've come a long way and I hope to continue to progress.

And you all are to thank for that!

Truly, if it weren't for your feedback, kind words of support, your totally going feral with me, and so on, then I don't think I would've kept going!

Now then, this past January I had the most feeble and basic blog goal: Learn how to create master lists. LMAO.

Tumblr was so confusing to me when I first started, and it's still a pain in the ass to deal with tbh, but I think I can safely say that I accomplished that goal. I feel like I make master lists left and right now....

What's Next For JMB Blog?

Well, I am going to be making some changes to JMB overall:

Going forward, JMB will solely be my Ikevil translations blog. All creative content (dissections, fics, drabbles, OC content, IkeVil recipes, etc), will be moved to my other blog @.adreaminthesea.

Master lists will be reorganized so you can locate translations more easily.

IkePri translations: I've been wanting to return to this, but I feel like this will not happen in the future. Hence, past translations and summaries will be discarded now they've released on EN.

Finish Jude's Main Story prior to his release. I actually have a goal to finish this much sooner than late next year (but I'll keep that date to myself.)

Translate for more IkeVil suitors. Currently, I translate primarily for Jude, Ellis and Nica. While I do translate for the other suitors as well, I'd like to do it more - when time and energy permits.

Another IkeVil Main Story translation - However, this will potentially be a collaborative effort. Anyone up for a Vogel route???

More of a personal enrichment goal, but this will hopefully increase the quality of my translations: Dedicate more time to learning Japanese. I learn as I go and that's not the way to do it.

Writing: I used to write a lot more than what I do, and my wips list is longggg, so I'm hoping to get back into this and post my content on my ADS blog.

Have fun and engage with you all more! This means taking time to actually enjoy the events I play, reading others translations more (I am SO behind), and interacting with you all more.

I think that's a good list to keep me busy all year. Of course, adjustments are going to be made along the way, and I already know that I won't be able to accomplish it all fully. Still, let's see what we can do.

[reroseshi]

Question to my fellow Gilbert simps!🔍

I keep seeing either in the main routes or the event stories how all ikepri characters smell like but has anyone seen a description of Gilbert's smell?

(I almost feel like a creep asking this lmao but i'm so curious he's the only one I haven't seen a description of how he smells like??)

(Like i know in some events, when he just came back from the kitchen, they saw he smell like food/sweet but that's it)

[dicenete]

Hey, I'm rambling about IkePri again

Okay, I just need to get these thoughts I have about Gilbert von Obsidian out because I enjoy predicting stuff and overthinking design and narrative choices even tho they might not be right. :P But there really isn't that much predicting other than me overthinking about narrative and design choices. This time there will be most likely spoilers of Gilbert's route so far, and route of Clavis and some thoughts I have just gathered while playing the game in general. I try to put these thoughts in cohesive order, but well... I don't know if I can really, because I just need to get these out of my head. These are my thoughts, ramblings and opinions. Feel free to form your own and certainly disagree with me! I apologize about the lack of art in this post. I'm busy with work currently so no fanart for a while. I'm also not native English speaker, so there might be grammatical errors and such. Sorry about that. Everything under the cut.

To start with Ikemen Prince is a romance visual novel first and foremost. That doesn't mean it can't be deep (and it certainly has been deeper than I initially expect, which left me positively surprised). I suppose there is somesort of thematic vibe that there is no prince whose ideals are the main thesis of the game itself. But that also kinda leaves that fact there is no huge catharsis regarding the world and it's state. Everything so far has been left quite open. And the more I have learned about lore of the world, I really feel like anti-monarchist here xd Clavis really sold me the idea for real. Or atleast throw away the absolute monarchy. That's where I think things should go, but that's my own belief. (really, the last king of Rhodolite... He umm... I have some opinions.) Chevalier and Gilbert First things first: I don't hate or dislike Chevalier as a character. There are just some things that give me Deus Ex Machina feels. But I know it is what they are going for with him. This genius that so far ahead of everyone that it is so alien concept to rest of the people. And well that is a very hard concept to pull off without being a genius yourself as a writer. Or that is what I feel like. But what I do love is what the writers are doing with him and Gilbert in thematic sense! (Hence why Chev x Gilbert sounds so juicy to me)

I really took steps to the deep end as I started to think about why I have enjoyed Gilbert's route or was interested in his story to begin with, but have little interest in trying Chev's one. Because they are so similar but they really aren't.

How I would describe it is that where as Clavis is the complementary to Chev, the purple to his yellow, the emotionality vs rationality, the heart vs the brain, Gilbert is more like right brain to Chev's left brain. If it makes sense like that xd Their color schemes are harmonious. Not opposite. Almost like how Nokto and Licht's color schemes are harmonious with each others.

(Nokto (Blue + white + gold) vs Licht (Blue + black + gold)) Not to mention that their names clearly are meant to mean light and dark. (Licht: variant for light, Nokto: comes form latin nox or noctis, meaning night = dark) But that is a rambling for another time.) Both their crests are tigers. White and black tiger. Chev's color scheme is White + gold and black. Whereas Gilbert's is Black + gold and white. But then the overall color that game devs use to signal about the characters baffles me a bit. Gold/Yellow vs Black/dark red. They don't seem to have too much connection or that of which comes to my mind quickly and without digging deeper. (because I believe that if you dig deep enough, you have digged yourself into a trap of overthinking about things. (Justifying things because you want to justify them, which I'm not big fan of. And sometimes things don't need meaning and we have to live with that. As much as it pains my overthinker brain.)) But here is my impressions about Gilbert so far. I'm at the point where MC has left the Clavis's party (I loved it btw). Gilbert really does give me toxic INFJ villain feels, but let's not get too hang up on terms such as that. But he is someone who is driven forth by his own ideals and desire to change the world better. He, like Clavis, seems to cloak himself in this idea that he is the villain and is okay, even happy, to take that role. He is the one who, like Chevalier, has thrown away emotional attachment out of the window (or so they say) unlike Clavis who makes his choices based more on emotion rather than rational thinking. Maybe that's why I like Clavis and Gilbert, they push MC out of their black and white thinking. That things are not so easy peezy as "choose a right king and everyone will be happy". There will always be someone who is mad about it. That's why I really loved the scene with Gilbert with the orphaned kids and the Clavis's party. He seems to enjoy the company of children (who are not morally corrupted or tainted) and he really empathically listens to those who are angry. He believes in the idea that "no one remembers what you said, but they will always remember how you made them feel". (A quote with debatable origin, people say that it was coined by Maya Angelou. But I really love this quote, because I think it is the truth.) Gilbert isn't trying to rationalize against someone's choices with pure intellect. He uses empathy to guide him to the most rational outcome in that emotional scope. But he also uses this to manipulate people with fear. He uses fear extensively and he does it actively. Where as I feel like Chev just has that aura about him automatically. Hence my next thought: Action vs Stasis!

Gilbert and Clavis are action oriented. They shake the gameboard, they make the first moves. Gilbert probably more than Clavis. They both want change. Is it change for the better, we will see, I still haven't finished Gilbert's route but he really gives me this "I'm willing to become the greatest threat so that people unite to defeat me." or "I will conquer all so there will no longer be wars.". Chev, on the other hand, symbolizes stasis. His goal is to keep the kingdom of Rhodolite going. That's his duty and he is willing to take it. (even tho we can debate if that is something he really really believes in or even thinks about that much. I feel like it is out of obligation rather than of personal ideal. But alas, I have not played Chev's route yet.) Chev is reactive rather than proactive. He waits for the opponent to make the first move and reacts accordingly. (I'm not saying he is not reactive once game is on. More like "if there was not threat to deal with, he wouldn't create one".)

Chev doesn't care what you think about him. Gilbert does. He might seem like he doesn't but he is really there to prove a point. (I will pick up his dislike for lying later >.>) Chev is not. Chev knows that his way is the right way for him and that is enough for him. Chev also actively makes a "gettaway plan" for himself in Clavis. He knows that Clavis is the final thread that keeps him from going overboard because he understand that he has to be blind for "individual people" aspect to be a good ruler. Gilbert probably understands this about himself too, but he is trying to prove a point. So he needs to go overboard. Because masses of people need absolutes to react to. If it is something banal, it won't do. His evil actions need to shake the very foundation of ideas. The people have to face those things head on and see it for themselves. They cannot be sheltered. Gilbert gives me the vibes that he is willing to sacrifice himself not for the kingdom, but for the betterment of all mankind. He is happy to become the villain #1 if that means that other people will rise and take down the corrupted Obsidian or the corrupted idea. I would say that he is Lawful Good going on about things like Lawful Evil.

Gilbert asking questions means that he wants you to think, he wants to challenge your opinions and how you look at the world. Same as Clavis. They yearn for change. They want to change the world. Where as Chev wants to maintain things as they are. Chev "If it is not broken, we don't need to fix it" Michel. Where as Clavis and Gilbert want to improve the system. They are idealistic. Gilbert and lying

This is something very interesting. At first I thought that he was all "I dislike when people lie to me." but he really is "I dislike lying in all its forms." And he does say that he doesn't lie. And I'm starting to believe that is really the case. All the things he says are true. But because how other people see him, they are suspicious anyway. Like MC is. Like we all probably are when we start the route and think "So what is your trauma, baby girl?" When he is unsure or knows that he shouldn't say the thing he really thinks or that is true, he will deflect or give a very vague response. Which makes me quite happy to replay his route at somepoint with this in mind. In conclusion: Welcome to my TED talk, with no head or tail, just me overthinking about things about a otome gacha game. If you read this far, thank you for your time. Remember, if I ramble about it, it just means that I'm invested. Have a good day~

[givemegivemesome]

In Yves second main story (ikepri jpn), there're some part that 3 new characters Azel, Matthias, Kagari appear.

please enjoy :)

Part 5

[clavissionary-position]

What Emma Would Do

Ignore me. This is just me working through my own thoughts and feelings on this. Also I'm an idiot.

***BIG EDIT: I misread and misinterpreted. Azel was nearly drugged and SA'd, so his reaction, however cruel, makes complete sense to me. If he was real I couldn't apologize to him enough.

Moving @/caffedrine's billion-dollar comments up here.

My original, misguided post is below the cut if you're interested.

I have to ask myself what Emma would do. Within reason. And only within the scope of this fictional game, because I'm not about to touch this topic as it exists in the real world. That's for people much smarter than me.

But for the game, my dismissing of Azel as a cruel misogynist without seeing his circumstances and worldview shuts down the conversation the same way it does when Azel dismisses a woman as a slut without seeing her circumstances and worldview.

(Did he actually use the word 'slut' or did google just translate 痴女 like that for me... I should double-check... edit: oh my bad, he calls her a "female molester", which... I can't say he's wrong considering she tried to give him an aphrodisiac...? The word also means "stupid woman", so he could very well have meant it that way too, especially for some reasons I get into later in the post.)

Soooo, he didn't actually call her a slut. I'm an idiot 😌 I'm sorry, Azel. Dunno if any of my points below mean anything, but I'll leave it here anyway:

The running theme in Ikepri is to look beyond the beast and see the human inside. To meet them halfway. To see their heart. And that heart is always so very terribly scarred. All these guys have gone through their own traumas and come out the other end behaving in ways designed to be armor, to protect themselves from any further pain.

I can only speculate about Azel this early in his story arc, but being showered with the same adoration and reverence that people only show a god, day in and day out, probably fucks with your mentality a bit if you are still only human at the end of the day. Having women try to seduce you only because you're The Living God, well, we saw what that kind of shallow treatment did to Silvio. Women see you as an object and so women become objects to you. You want to be loved, but you don't want to be hurt.

That might only be scratching the surface with Azel, though. He's also clearly jaded from listening to the same old interpersonal problems people have when in relationships. Love is actual trash to him, not even worth a single penny. It's trash because the very people who follow him prove it to him on a daily basis, I imagine.

Yet that's still not the full picture. I mean, we obviously won't have the full picture until his main route drops, but there's another key factor to consider with Azel.

He quotes Pascal in Licht's sequel. "Man is only a reed, the weakest thing in nature; but he is a thinking reed." The full quote goes onto say:

"All our dignity consists, then, in thought. This is the basis on which we must raise ourselves, and not space and time, which we would not know how to fill. Let us make it our task, then, to think well: here is the principle of morality.”

(Did I read the entire context of the quote? HA! What do you take me for? A scholar or something?)

Free will and independent thought is arguably the most important thing to Azel. He has no respect for the sheep who flock to him for direction (though he'll happily take their money and tributes). Even with the dancer who tried to seduce him in the prologue, when he tells her to lick up the food she dropped after he tripped her, he presents it as a choice. Nevermind that the staggeringly unequal power dynamics at play made it so this was nothing short of coercion in the end; there was no way the dancer was in a position to stand up for herself and say no, even if that's exactly what Azel wanted. But from his perspective, defiance would have been welcome. That's why he phrased it as a choice. That she started licking up the food only solidified in Azel's mind that this woman is an unthinking reed without dignity. If you're going to act like trash, he'll treat you like trash... maybe that was part of his thinking.

On a slightly different note, I think another reason he hates the idea of love so much is because love makes people lose their ability to reason, to think. I believe he outright says as much, iirc.

In the end, I don't know from where exactly Azel's fury and cruelty comes from. It could be all of these things, it might be something else entirely. All I can think is, you can't be 'God' everyday and not be scarred by humans.

In conclusion, I can't excuse Azel's behavior. I don't excuse it. But I think Emma would try to understand the why of it, like she does in any other route. The other running theme in Ikepri is that, as a certain someone would put it, the essence of all people is love. It's their environment that twists them. Somewhere in Azel is the purest kind of love. A kind that would make any god look away in shame. That's what I want to believe in, anyhow.

Also, I need stress that I was SO wrong about whether he actually called the dancer a slut or not. Google fucked me over by translating it that way! Ah, Azel, I'm so sorry!

[cheshireliam]

Azel Radwan Main Story: Chapter 5

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection; expect mistakes, grammatical errors, and some creative liberties. All original content and media used belongs to Cybird. Please support the game by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

Read this before interacting

“The Living God has taken a fancy to a foreign maiden” — The rumour spread faster than a flame on a lit fuse. 

…

Emma: Your Holiness… I can’t do this anymore. 

Azel: …

Wiping away my dripping perspiration, I stepped into the shade to avoid being burnt alive by the blazing sun. 

Still, my body remained hot and my fatigued limbs were begging for mercy. 

I collapsed on the spot, only to be met with Azel staring down at me with a cold expression. 

Azel: And what do you expect me to do about it?

In those mysterious eyes, there was not a trace of the benevolence he showed when we first met. 

I might have incurred the god’s displeasure, but I no longer had the energy to fear any divine punishment. 

Emma: It's as you guessed…

Azel: … Ah, so you’re saying… 

Azel knelt down before me and grabbed my chin with zero gentleness, forcing me to look up at him.

Azel: You want me to be kind to you.

Emma: Please… I’m begging you. 

(At this rate, I’ll…)

— The story rewinds to a little while earlier. 

…

Nadia: My name is Nadia. By royal decree, I will be in-charge of attending to your personal needs, Lady Emma. 

Aisha: My name is Aisha. As the Head Maid of the rear palace, I will do my best to serve you. It is my pleasure to meet you. 

Emma: Oh… I appreciate it. But I’m only a humble book merchant, so there's no need— 

Nadia: Now let’s get you in the bath. There’s a chance His Holiness will visit you in your dreams tonight. 

Aisha: We’ll groom your hair to perfection, polish your skin meticulously, and as for the perfumed oil… I wonder what His Holiness prefers. 

Nadia: I’m not sure either, but let’s go with a rose scented one for now. After all, Lady Emma’s from Rhodolite. 

Aisha: I like that idea! Let’s do that. 

Emma: There’s really no need to go to such lengths for me! 

Emma: At least let me bathe alone— please, have mercy on me…! 

…

Izzet: I will be your designated bodyguard starting from today, Lady Emma. Please call me Izzet. 

Izzet: I usually serve as a messenger, but this time I received an official royal decree to eliminate anyone and anything that poses a threat to your safety.

Emma: Uh… thank you. But I’m only a humble book merchant, so I don't need a bodygua— 

Izzet: Please consider this, Lady Emma. Earning the Living God’s favour is the highest honour for women all over the country. 

Izzet: Even with God's blessing, you can’t rule out the envy, resentment, jealousy, and anger from others… 

Emma: … I leave myself in your care. 

…

Enis: Apologies for summoning you on such short notice. 

Enis: Are you facing any troubles in the royal court? Just say the word and I can make almost anything happen. 

Emma: I appreciate your generosity.

Emma: If I may be so bold to take you up on your offer, I have a single request… 

Emma: Can I ask to be treated as merely a humble book merchant like before? 

Enis: That won’t be possible. You’re the one and only woman who has earned the Living God’s favour. 

Enis: Tanzanite has been struggling for years because no woman ever captured the heart of the Living God. 

Enis: But our long-standing wish has been fulfilled at last and the court is overflowing with joy. 

Enis: It’s the king’s duty to raise the national power and treat you with the highest level of hospitality… I hope you’ll accept it. 

The weight of the misunderstanding that I was receiving the Living God’s favour grew heavier day by day.

…

Emma: That's enough, Clavis. 

Clavis: I haven't said anything yet. 

Emma: Your smirk… you find this funny, don't you?

Clavis: Haha, saying I enjoy this would be an understatement right now! Come on, we have lots of catching up to do. 

Clavis: As a gentleman, I’ll listen to all your troubles. 

We were once again having a secret gathering in one of the guest rooms at Tanzanite’s palace with Clavis and Luke. 

I knew from the very moment I was summoned, what the “main dish” of the gathering would be. 

Clavis: Luke, get Emma some alcohol.

Luke: She won’t be having any. She’ll have Tanzanite’s specialty tea today. 

Unlike Clavis who couldn't stop grinning, Luke seemed genuinely concerned. 

He prepared the tea with practiced hands and gave it to me. 

Emma: Thanks. This tea… I don't think I’ve seen it before. 

Luke: It’s called “Zel Tea”, produced by crushing various fruits together. Super popular right now. 

Emma: “Zell Tea”? 

Luke: I heard it was named after the Living God’s first name.

(He even has a TEA named after him!?) 

Luke: The people say it has the ability to cure illnesses, ease your worries, and even bring success in love. It’s apparently got all sorts of benefits.

Emma: … The townspeople’s faith is truly amazing. 

Clavis: And you managed to gain the favour of that amazing god, right?

Avoiding Clavis who didn't look like he intended to stop smirking any time soon, I turned my gaze away and took a sip of the tea to calm my mind. 

(Mm, it’s sweet and delicious.)

(Far from the image I have of the Living God… but I like this taste.)

While savouring the sweetness of the tea, I let out a sigh to clear my mind.  

Emma: I don’t recall ever doing such a thing, but apparently so. 

Clavis: Oh? You don't remember…!? It must be an unrequited love at first sight for Azel, then? 

Luke: He’s got good taste. 

Clavis: As expected of a god. Although, I must say, it's a little surprising. 

Clavis took a sip of the tea Luke prepared for him and his eyes softened in satisfaction. 

Clavis: I thought he’d have no interest in love because it has no monetary value…

Emma: … Maybe he just finds foreign women unusual and intriguing. 

Luke: Nah, that's definitely not it. Take a quick look around Tanzanite. You’ll see tourists from all over the world come here, men and women alike. 

Clavis: Exactly. A “foreign woman” wouldn't be particularly rare or valuable to a god. 

Clavis: In conclusion, disregarding your birth and lineage, he must've found some form of value in you. 

Clavis: And so the question is — what is it that he sees in you? … What do you think, Luke? 

Luke: Me? Hmm… 

Luke: I think it could be his way of keeping us in check.

Emma: What do you mean?

(... The conversation just took an unsettling turn.)

Luke pulled a jar of honey out of who knows where, added some to his cup, and stirred it with a spoon. 

Luke: You’ve noticed it, haven't you? The reason why we’re in Tanzanite. 

Emma: I kind of have a rough idea… it’s related to the tri-nation alliance, right? 

Luke: Yeah. We’re here to investigate why Tanzanite formed this alliance. 

Luke: I’ve been doing some digging around over the past couple of days. It seems that the god holds all the political power in this country. 

Luke: In other words, if there were to be a specific reason for forming the alliance, the god would be the centre of it all. 

Luke: And now, that god has taken an interest in a woman close to us. 

Luke: Tanzanite appears to be welcoming towards us on the surface. But if they're secretly wary of us,—

Luke: It’s entirely possible they’ll use you as a hostage the very moment things aren't in their favour. 

(Taking me hostage… I never thought of it, but it's not entirely impossible.)

(Even if the whole “infatuation” thing is only part of the process…)

(It’s undeniable that the living god has a purpose for deliberately tying me down with debt.) 

(But something tells me that “isn’t all”.)

Emma: Even if that’s the case, Rhodolite isn’t on hostile terms with Tanzanite. 

Emma: Would there be any reason they’d go as far as to take a hostage as a form of precaution against you and Clavis?  

(If there’s something about the tri-nation alliance they’re trying to hide, then it’s natural they’d act cautious.) 

(But they could've directly denied our entry into the country if that's the case.) 

Luke, who had been looking serious until now, suddenly chuckled and took a sip of his tea. 

Luke: Well, you’ve got a point there. Maybe I’m just overthinking things. 

Clavis: Luke, you… 

In contrast, it was Clavis who turned serious this time. 

Luke: W-what’s the matter with you…  

Clavis set down his cup, moved closer to Luke, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

Clavis: Your big brother Clavis is sooo emotional right now. To think Luke is being serious about work…!

(I was kind of thinking the same thing…!)

Luke: Tch, let go of me. You’re annoying.

Clavis: Haha! Don’t be shy. Let me express how proud of you I am… you understand me, right?

Luke: I don’t want to understand! 

Luke smacked Clavis’ hand away and retreated to a corner of the room at a surprisingly fast speed for someone who’s notorious for slacking off. 

Clavis: The matter involving the living god is one thing, but I’m even more surprised by your growth! 

Luke: … I should've continued slacking off if I knew you’d go on and on about this. 

Emma: Why? You look cool when you’re serious, Luke. 

Luke: It’s not that I’m being particularly serious. It’s just…

Emma: …? 

Luke: Nothing… anyway, as long as that god doesn't do anything to harm you, there's nothing else I’m concerned about. 

(What was he going to say?) 

I sensed something off about Luke’s attitude, but I missed the chance to probe further. 

Clavis: The hostage theory has some truth to it, but I still prefer the idea that the living god has fallen for Emma. 

Clavis: That's far more amusing. Haha! 

(Definitely not.) 

Clavis: However, Emma, what matters most is your own will

Clavis: Is receiving Azel’s favour troubling you, or are you not entirely opposed to it? Care to share your thoughts for reference’s sake? 

(Ah… so this is the main topic.) 

I took another sip of tea, as though to cover up that my hands were trembling. 

Emma: If his affection is genuine, then I think it’d be best to face it properly. 

(There actually isn’t even a shred of affection, and the mere thought of it makes my blood boil.) 

To avoid causing Clavis and Luke unnecessary worry, I carefully chose words that were neither complete lies nor the actual truth. 

Clavis: So you’re saying there's a chance? 

Luke: I mean, that god is handsome. 

(... I really don't appreciate this at all!) 

Emma: Whatever it is… there’s nothing you guys need to worry about. 

Emma: It’s thanks to His Holiness that my treatment in this country has improved tremendously, instead of worsen— 

Luke: It did worsen. 

My shoulders unconsciously jumped. 

Luke: You’re tired, aren’t you?

(... Guess I can’t cover it up anymore.) 

Clavis: While some people would be more than glad to receive special treatment, others aren’t used to it. You’re clearly the latter. 

Luke: Just refuse if you hate it. 

Emma: … I am trying to refuse. 

Emma: But apparently, receiving the living god’s favour is a cause for national celebration. 

Luke: Like hell I care about that. 

Clavis: Haha! If push comes to shove, why don't the three of us run away together? 

[aishangotome]

Azel Radwan: Both Endings Epilogue

Romantic Ending Letter | Dramatic Ending Epilogue

Thank you @passthechloroform for providing the video for this chapter!

"Love" is a curse.

It's the worst curse, one that should never be inflicted.

*flashback*

Emma: It's wrong to call something that hurts Prince Azel "love."

Emma: That's just violence disguised as love.

*flashback over*

(Those words Emma said one day hit the nail on the head about the true nature of love.)

(For me, love might be violence.)

*flashback*

Mother: Living God, please grant us a divine message. Show us the reality that has been promised to us.

Azel: I... don't know—

The Apostle: Everyone here is eagerly awaiting the Living God's divination.

The Apostle: God who loves his people, please have mercy on us.

Azel: ...I...

Mother: Come now, Living God.

The Apostle: Show us our path.

Azel: ...I understand.

-

Enis: Azel, we came to play!

Azel: Kamal-oniichan, Enis-oniichan...!

Enis: Whoa, what's with suddenly clinging to us like that? You're unusually affectionate today.

Azel: Am I... really a god?

Kamal: Ah, I guess the apostle said something to you again? That— geezer. Someday— I'll— I'll—

Enis: Hey, don't use such foul language in front of the child.

Enis: ...Azel, can you tell us what happened?

Azel: Everyone expects all sorts of things from me.

Azel: I want to meet those expectations, but there's so much I don't know.

Azel: Even though I don't know, I have to give them answers.

Azel: I can only give them vague answers, so I'm afraid that someday I'll give a false divine message...

Azel: A real god wouldn't have this problem.

Kamal: Sigh... You're more of an angel than a god, Azel, an angel.

Azel: Whoa, oniichan!

Enis: Kamal, it's dangerous to suddenly pick him up like that.

Kamal: You're being a nag, are you his babysitter or something?

Kamal: Azel, the people around you call you a god, but to Enis and me, you're just our cute little brother.

Kamal: To our troubled little brother, your big brother will give you this as a present.

Azel: Um... "Read This and You Too Can Become a Splendid Swindler ~Beginner Edition~"?

Enis: What kind of book did you give him?!

Kamal: Our angel is too kind, that's why he worries like this.

Kamal: Listen, most of the people who worship you as a god are greedy and only think about themselves.

Kamal: Become a swindler so they can't take advantage of you.

Azel: A swindler?

Kamal: A swindler is a bad person who deceives others and acts only for their own benefit.

Kamal: You're a kind god who only thinks about others, but a swindler doesn't care whether their divinations are right or wrong.

Kamal: Become like that. Enis and I want to protect you... Don't become a god who gets eaten by people.

Azel: Doing bad things... is wrong, but...

Azel: But I understand what you're trying to say, oniichan.

Azel: I'll read this book and study hard.

Kamal: Ah, you're a good boy.

Azel: Thank you, oniichan. I love you.

Kamal: Guh...

Enis: Hey, don't die?! Fainting from a nosebleed is a joke, right?!

-

Soldier: —There he is! It's the Living God! Secure him immediately!

Azel: I'm sorry! I was the one who said I wanted to play outside with my brothers!

Azel: I really didn't want to do any divinations today... I was tired...

Azel: So—...

Soldier: We've apprehended Prince Enis and Prince Kamal as well! Take them straight to prison!

Soldier: Those guilty of taking the god away will face appropriate judgment!

-

Enis: Aagh—!

Kamal: —Ugh...

Azel: Apostle... Please stop...

Azel: Please. I'll do whatever you say.

Azel: It's because I was a bad boy, because I didn't behave...

Azel: I'll never run away again, so please stop.

Azel: Please, please, please, please...

The Apostle: Living God... I'm sorry. It's not that I want to torment you.

The Apostle: This is also love.

The Apostle: To ensure that your noble self makes no mistakes, we must punish you severely like this.

The Apostle: All of this is for your sake. Please understand.

*flashback over*

At that time, I understood all too well.

The meaning of a god loving people, the meaning of people loving a god.

Both being loved and loving are nothing but painful acts.

I can't find any other words to describe this than a curse.

(The discomfort of being loved is still tolerable.)

(But I want to be spared from the curse that arises from my own love.)

Loving is the easiest way to make someone else unhappy.

(That's why... Emma, I don't love you.)

(I don't love you.)

-

Emma: —...Prince Azel?

I open my eyes, and a familiar scene comes into view.

The afterimage of the past vanishes, and the eyes of everyone seated at the table converge on me.

Azel: ...Is everyone here?

Kamal: Emma is here too today, huh?

Basil: May I address her as Lady Emma from now on? After all, she is the only one who has been loved by Prince Azel—

Basil: Ouch!

I throw a nearby game piece at his forehead, putting a stop to the unpleasant conversation for now.

Basil: Ah... even a scolding from Prince Azel is an honor...

Kamal: Sinan, please examine this child's head.

Sinan: Normal.

Kumush: That means there's no saving him, hahaha!

Temel: A little madness in young people helps them get ahead in life.

Kamal: Is that so?

Enis: I'm surprised though. This is my first time here, but...

Enis: I never thought most of Tanzanite's prominent figures were accomplices to a god.

(Thirteen people including Enis... no, fourteen if you include Emma.)

Present here, in addition to the royal family, are the head of the tourism association, the wealthy merchant who manages the market, the doctor with the best medical skills in the country, the owner of the famous restaurant that supports Tanzanite's economy, the competent spy who has deceived countless people, the world-renowned genius scholar, the strongest warrior...

I also gathered other promising individuals who will shape the future and gave them proof of my hope for the coming dawn.

(The god-killing plan I started alone has come this far, huh?)

(...It's been a long time.)

It all started that day when Kamal, who had been subjected to whipping, was exiled, and the light vanished from Enis's eyes—

Unable to bear the ugliness of the love the apostle spoke of, I vowed to destroy faith.

But sane words don't reach fanatics who think they can do anything for the god they love.

To escape the curse of love, there was no choice but to choose death, to kill even the idol god.

Kumush: King Enis, we weren't in important positions from the beginning.

Kumush: It was Prince Azel who guided us to them.

Temel: The development of the tourism association and the market also has Prince Azel's advice behind it.

Temel: I have nothing but respect for his foresight.

Azel: Don't mention it. I merely provided the opportunity for you to shine...

Azel: I just discovered your inherent talents and "bought" them.

Kamal: Azel, you don't realize how amazing that is.

Enis: You're still better suited to be king than I am. How about it, after being a god, why not try wearing a crown?

Azel: No, thank you. I want to enjoy my retirement.

Azel: I'll meet with you periodically and give you advice for a fee, but I won't do anything more than that.

My rejection is met with laughter in the hall.

Since when did I start to see emotions other than revenge in that scene?

*flashback*

Azel: From the next dawn, you will build the future with your own hands.

Azel: I look forward to seeing what kind of future the "human nation," free from the hands of God, will build.

*flashback over*

(Those were my true feelings.)

(...Even though I'm a god who doesn't love people.)

Izzet: Prince Azel... May I speak?

Azel: What is it, Izzet?

Izzet: Um... Shall I bring you a chair?

Kamal: Ah, hey!

Enis: Izzet... even though everyone was pretending not to notice...

(...)

(...Well, I guess it had to be said.)

There are thirteen chairs in this room—but there are fifteen people here, including myself.

Enis has taken a new seat, and his attendant, Izzet, stands beside him. The other newcomer, Emma, is sitting on my lap.

Emma: ...Prince Azel... As I thought...

Azel: Don't worry about it. I'm just doing this because I don't want to bother with bringing a chair.

Kumush: If that's the case, I'll stand!

Basil: No, I'll stand!

Temel: I'll—

Azel: That's quite alright. You are all important figures in this country, so please sit in the chairs.

(Smirking, smirking... It's not like I enjoy having her on my lap either.)

(It was just efficient. That's all.)

Emma: It would be easier if I just stood...

Azel: Ah, yes. The reason I gathered everyone here today is because there's something I wanted to tell you all.

I firmly embrace Emma's waist as she actually tries to stand, forcibly pulling her back onto my lap.

(...It's not like I want her sitting here, but there's no need to run away, is there?)

Azel: She will be involved in the establishment of the Tanzanite Book Merchants Association in the future, taking over from Akatsuki.

Azel: Emma is also a talented merchant, so I thought I'd try my hand at nurturing her.

Azel: I think there will be more opportunities for all of you to interact with her, so please make sure to remember her face.

Azel: Ah, but try not to stare. She's shy.

Emma: ...It's just that this situation is unbearable...

Emma's voice, as she covers her face with both hands, is so faint it's almost inaudible.

(How cute—)

(...No, that's wrong. Stop it. I feel like I'm becoming an idiot too.)

Kamal: ...Enis, you have many wives, don't you?

Kamal: Why don't you teach Azel how to conduct a romantic relationship?

Kamal: He was a god, you know, so he doesn't know how to treat girls.

Enis: Well... I suppose it's fine. He'll learn eventually after making some mistakes.

(How rude. What do they mean by "mistakes"?)

That's what I think inwardly, but everyone's gaze is lukewarm.

(...)

(...So this is what it means to be an ordinary person, huh?)

-

After seeing off the gathered people, the usual time descends upon the solitary desert castle.

After dinner, when it's time to sleep, I always hold Emma in my arms on the bed.

This, too, is a force majeure that started because I was tired of putting Emma back in the middle of the bed whenever she tried to sneak off to the edge. It's certainly not because I want to hold her or feel her warmth.

(Could this also be a "mistake"?)

(...It's not like I'm bothered by what they said earlier, but...)

Azel: What was the right thing to do?

Emma: Huh...?

Azel: ...Enis said it, didn't he? That it was a mistake.

Azel: What was the right thing to do in that situation?

Emma: Well... generally, you wouldn't have someone sit on your lap in public.

Azel: I told you many times, it was for efficiency.

Emma: ...Was it really just for efficiency?

Azel: There's no other reason.

Emma: Then say it while looking at me.

She cups my cheeks in her hands, forcing our eyes to meet.

I was about to complain, but the smile that bloomed before my eyes made me speechless.

Emma: Thank you.

Azel: ...What are you thanking me for?

Emma: For always loving me in a way that's easy to understand.

Azel: ...But I don't love you?

Even as I that, before I know it, I'm kissing her.

I know intellectually that this act is meant to convey love, but I can't stop myself.

Always, always—every time our eyes meet, I want to kiss her.

Even I find it baffling.

Emma: Nn... That's the least convincing "I don't love you" I've ever heard.

Azel: ...Shut up.

I seal her lips out of spite, stealing away her ability to laugh.

(No matter what you say, I don't want to admit it.)

(Even if the love I know is different from the "real love" you speak of—...)

When I look into her face, she wraps her arms around the back of my neck, looking unsatisfied.

As I entwine our tongues and caress her slender back, a muffled, frustrated voice escapes her lips.

(I don't love you...)

I press my finger against her nipple through her negligee and rub my knee between her damp thighs.

Even though I know intellectually that this is also something lovers do, my body won't stop.

(...No, this is just human physiological desire. It can't be helped, it's force majeure.)

Emma: Prince Azel...

(It's definitely not because Emma seemed to want it or anything like that...)

(It's because it's my creed to live greedily, so I have no choice...)

Emma: ...Nn... I was thinking during the meeting today...

Emma: Prince Azel... even though you say you don't love me, you're surely... more affectionate than anyone else.

Azel: Huh?

I involuntarily stop my hand and peer into her sweet face.

Azel: What did I do for you to interpret it that way?

Emma: When you were talking to everyone... you had a gentle expression.

Emma: I was secretly watching from your lap, thinking, "This must be Prince Azel's true nature"...

(...This isn't funny.)

(A god who doesn't love people is affectionate...)

Emma: Ah... Hyaa...!

I lift up her negligee and thrust my fingers in, all at once.

I delve deep inside, so that her mouth can't utter any more nonsense.

Azel: You're mistaken.

Emma: Ah, nn... That's... unfair!

Azel: I don't care.

(I just like to see people carve out their own path with their own strength.)

(I just like the moments when people laugh together and create a lively atmosphere...)

(...To call this affectionate...)

(...)

(...Will she say it?)

(No, she won't. Please don't say it.)

Emma: Loving someone isn't scary.

As if she could see right through my heart, Emma embraces me.

Emma: When I can prove that to you...

Emma: Please be more honest and love many things.

Unconsciously, my breath begins to tremble.

I kiss her hair, praying she doesn't notice my trembling.

Emma: Ah, but... I want to be Prince Azel's number one.

Emma: I want to be loved more than anyone else...

Emma also presses her lips against mine, her face bashful before my eyes.

It was a carefree bashfulness that seemed to defy the logic that love is a curse.

Azel: ...

Emma: ...

Azel: .................

Emma: ...Um...

Emma: ...Say something, please. This is awkward.

Azel: It's your own fault, isn't it?

(Love is a curse. That's why I will never love anyone.)

(...But, if by any chance, what you say is true, and real love doesn't make anyone unhappy...)

(I might not refuse to admit that I love you...)

Emma: Prince Azel—...

Azel: ...If you're going to say things like "number one," could you please stop doing that for starters?

Emma: Stop what?

Azel: Calling me "Prince"

Azel: I'm an ordinary person now, so isn't "Prince" strange?

Emma: Why so suddenly...?

Azel: There's no deep meaning.

(The first people I loved were my brothers.)

(Those brothers don't call me "Prince")

(If you're so insistent that love isn't a curse, you should start by changing how you address me.)

(Because it makes me feel clearly loved.)

Emma: Then, how about Azel-san?

(...If possible, I'd prefer just my name...)

(No, no one else calls me that, so maybe it's better this way.)

Azel: Well, that's fine.

Azel: Emma.

Emma: W-what is it?

As usual, I pin Emma down and kiss her, never tiring of it.

Precisely because I understand that this emotion, which I can't control despite knowing logically what it is, is "real love"—

I won't admit it yet.

Azel: I don't love you, so don't misunderstand.

Emma: Hehe... You're quite stubborn. Just the way I like it.

(I won't admit it... but the hateful curse you've placed on me is too strong.)

(...What are you going to do about it, damn it?)

.

.

.

FIN

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[maladaptivedaydreamsx]

vent/rant

I am so sick and tired of his stuff always being so expensive. It'd be nice if characters rotated once in awhile or something (speaking for those who enjoy some of the other "expensive" boys), but you know damn well they're gonna milk every mf cent and then some if they're even remotely popular. Just gonna start making up my own stories for him in my little daydreams, cause this shit just ain't it, even if I did have the money to (like way back). 100k is a damn scam at that 😒

[dear-mrs-otome]

Silvio Ricci - Main Story - Chp 13

Standard Disclaimer: I do this for fun. I don’t, and never would, claim to be proficient at JP. There will be mistakes herein. There will be dialogue I choose to smooth out or change, because it feels choppy just straight translating. There will be the occasional snarky aside and irreverence and just plain summarizing. If you’re looking for 100% pure accuracy, without commentary or localizing, this is not for you. If you don’t mind that…then proceed, and I hope you enjoy! And please, support your local localizer (they make this stuff look easy) and Cybird by playing the games and routes when they come to English.

With Emma and Silvio having been led off by the auction manager, Gilbert is left alone with Rio. He saunters in and takes a seat, declaring that he has a special story to tell Rio…but Rio rejects his offer flatly.

“Thanks, but no thanks.”

“I haven’t even said a single word yet,” Gilbert rebuts, amused.

Rio’s very aware of Gilbert’s deviousness though, and he tells him that he’s not interested in having anything to do with something that would make it hard for him to face Emma. Gilbert praises him for being every inch the ‘loyal hound’ he’s heard spoken of…but he reassures Rio that his underhanded deeds will prove a boon to Rio.

He tips his head and offers Rio a smile. “You love Miss Bunny, don’t you. Not as a friend or as her butler - you’ve been in love with her these past three years.”

Rio’s surprise shows on his face, as Gilbert goes on, laying out how Rio’s been able to smile the way he does today, despite not having his memories, because of Emma. “But you used to be quite the cocky little pup, just like Silvio, no? I envy you for falling in love and changing who you are,” Gilbert finishes on a laugh.

A stone-faced Rio asks who told Gilbert that, but all the Obsidian prince will tell him is that it’s a secret. He lords his bit of information over Rio, before Rio connects the dots and says he gets it - Gilbert has someone in the inner circle as an informant, doesn’t he?

Gilbert refuses to confirm or deny this, and instead turns the conversation back on Rio’s unrequited yearning, saying how he knows Rio’s been good and held himself back all this time despite how much he loves Emma. How obvious it is that Rio desperately wants her to see him as a man, to love him back. “But someone else has been getting in the way lately, hasn’t he?” Gilbert questions.

“...Are you talking about Prince Silvio?” Rio asks.

“Yes. You must be in a panic, afraid the little bunny will be whisked away by some other guy. Afraid that you’ll be robbed of something precious, again.”

Rio flinches at that and frowns, clutching his head as if struggling against something welling up inside of him.

“Frustrating and miserable, isn’t it. You’ve made up your mind that if Miss Bunny is happy, that’s all that matters. But on the other hand, you want to be happy too,” Gilbert presses.

“You’re wrong,” Rio insists.

“I don’t like lies.” Gilbert brushes Rio’s denial off with a smile. “I don’t think it’s something be a ashamed of. It’s perfectly natural for anyone to feel that way. But Silvio’s not going to quit while you wrestle with this - he’s trying to snare Miss Bunny’s heart and make it his. Is it really just about something as trivial as ‘annoying’ you? Haven’t you thought, countless times, about making Silvio disappear? Thought that, if it wasn’t for him, you wouldn’t have to feel this way?”

Clouds shift outside, blocking out the sun and casting the room in pallor. 

Rio, however, calmly and without hesitation, denies Gilbert’s prodding and says that he has no intention of sticking his nose into his lady’s personal life and relationships. “I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned, when the other person involved is Silvio, but there’s nothing wrong with them getting to know each other better."

“Hmm…I see,” Gilbert says.

“Was that all you wished to discuss, Prince Gilbert?” Rio asks.

 

A smiling Gilbert says no, no need to rush. They’ve got plenty of time to kill - Silvio and Emma won’t be back anytime soon. This merely confirms Rio’s suspicion that Gilbert arranged the whole thing to get him alone, and he points out how this also means Gilbert’s connected to the auction manager as well. 

“You never meant to hide it, did you?” Rio accuses.

A laughing Gilbert says he’s half right. “It’s true that I didn’t intend to keep this a secret - because Chevalier already knows all about it.”

This surprises Rio, and Gilbert tells him that Chevalier knows and does nothing about it - or it would be more correct to say, he can’t do anything about it. “You might want to investigate this auction thoroughly as well,” he advises Rio. “But you won’t find any trace of my involvement.

Rio says that just shows how cocky Gilbert it, and his blunt speak amuses the Obsidian prince. Rio brings up how it was Keith that gave them the invitation, but Gilbert assures him Keith has no involvement in this - the invitation was simply his way of showing his good intentions.

“Although, whether his ‘good intentions’ was simply offering the chance to appreciate some fine jewelry, or to expose the misdeeds of some Rhodolitians, I can’t say,” Gilbert admits, owning that he just heard of the situation and made use of it.

Steering things back to the main topic, Gilbert asks how Rio intends to get his hands on Miss Bunny.

“What do you mean by that?” Rio asks.

“Exactly what it sounds like. I’m saying that I’ll support your efforts at love here,” Gilbert insists.

Rio accuses him of yanking his chain, but Gilbert reminds him how he hates lying. “Silvio’s been a little too fixated on Miss Bunny lately. I can’t have him turning coward on me, and that’s where you come in. I want the happy union of you and Miss Bunny to bring him back to his senses…that’s why I don’t mind helping you.”

Rio frowns, and denies needing Gilbert’s ‘assistance’, which has Gilbert laughing and pointing out that he and Silvio said the same thing. He tells Rio not to worry, there’s no rush here - as long as Rio remembers that Gilbert’s on his side, that’s fine enough.

“But, I’ll leave you with what I foresee happening,” Gilbert warns, leaning in close to speak into Rio’s ear. “Silvio will steal what you hold most dear…and it will be too late for regrets then.”

Rio only scowls in silence at that, and Gilbert tells him to let him know if he changes his mind, because he doesn’t dislike people with pure hearts like Rio’s. 

With a final pat on the shoulder, Gilbert leaves the room, and Rio is left to take a long long breath as he stares up at the ceiling, clearly left in a conundrum.

The next day, Emma makes a full report of the auction and its goings-on to Chevalier and his faction - well, to everyone save for Luke, who is off napping somewhere.

She had decided it was more than she and Rio should worry over on their own…but the princes seem to take the whole thing in stride, utterly nonplussed, to her surprise. 

Nokto says they’ve been aware for awhile now of the auctions that have been going on - but he admits there’s one thing new they’ve learned here at least. That Silvio isn’t the one orchestrating them. He and Clavis discuss the situation with Emma, as Chevalier stays quietly reading documents - namely that they had suspected Silvio might possibly be behind all of this, but the situation has confirmed that he’s truly neutral. 

Emma’s curious at that, and Clavis elaborates - hasn’t she heard from Silvio already? How Benitoite is currently deliberating who they should align themselves with.

There’s a faction in Benitoite that wants to see the country abandon its alliance with Rhodolite in favor of joining with Obsidian, and another faction that wishes the opposite. 

Those words bring to mind Silvio’s own, when he’d mentioned how if he became king of Benitoite, he might reassess their relationship with Rhodolite. 

“I could break the alliance and join forces with another country…Obsidian, for example,” he had smirked. 

“You’re joking…right?” she had asked, aghast.

Silvio had sobered and said he wasn’t - the very fact that Gilbert had tossed his hat into the diplomatic ring meant that it was a possibility. If Obsidian was considering a path of cooperation, it was at least worth thinking over.

She realizes it must already a point of discussion in Benitoite, then.

“For the moment, the king of Benitoite seems to be indicating he intends to uphold the alliance,” Clavis says, then frowns. “But frankly, you never know when someone might turn, do you?” 

Nokto mentions that the princes of Obsidian and Benitoite had been together at the gala, and they had concerns the two were colluding in secret. 

“But from what you’ve said, Silvio remains neutral,” Clavis says to her.

“....No.” Chevalier, who’s been silent all this time, looks up from the documents. “Belle.  What design was the wax seal on the letter you saw the auction manager give that jangler?”

She thinks back to what had happened when she and Silvio had been led off away from Rio by the auction manager. What had been waiting for them wasn’t a special item of jewelry or anything like that. It had been a letter.

“This is what you wanted to show me?” Silvio had taken the letter from the auction manager with a curse.

“Who is it from?” Emma had asked.

“...A good-for-nothing bastard.”

As she’d blinked at that, Silvio had viciously ripped the envelope open and looked the letter over, his expression growing ever more sullen as he read, his sea-blue eyes grim. Leaving her wondering just what the heck could have been written in it.

“That old codger’s got nothin’ but nasty things to say,” Silvio had sneered, before turning his attention to the auctioneer. “When were you given this?”

“Awhile ago,” the man replies. “I was asked to give it to you when you came.”

Silvio had bitten out another curse, crushing the letter in his fist.

The envelope had slipped free, and Emma had bent to pick it up…

“...It was a crest, of a whale,” she tells Chevalier. Not a doubt in her mind. She’s never seen a whale in person before, of course, but she’s seen pictures and paintings of them. She hadn’t thought much of it at the time, but Nokto, Clavis, and even Rio seem stunned.

As she’s trying to figure out why they’re all so shocked, Chevalier speaks again. “I figured as much. What Jangles received was a directive from the king.” Emma is left reeling at that, and Chevalier goes on. “The head of an auction house, with ties to Obsidian, had a personal letter from the king.”

He presses Emma on what the takeaway from that should be, and she can see the dots…but connecting them terrifies her. When she remains silent, Chev puts her thoughts into words for her. “It stands to reason that Benitoite is already seeking a connection with Obsidian.”

Nokto, and even the ever-smiling Clavis, both look grim at the prospect. “This is worse than we thought, isn’t it?” Nokto says.

“No, it’s about what I expected,” Chevalier replies, and when Clavis pushes him about worst-case scenarios, Chevalier theorizes that if the alliance is truly broken and Rhodolite is left without the support of Benitoite, their country will be invaded by Obsidian.

This sounds like a disaster scenario to Emma, but Chevalier doesn’t seem disturbed at all, and she’s impressed by his level-headedness. He orders Nokto to keep an eye on these auctions, given the chance that the rulers of Benitoite and Obsidian may be involved, and when Nokto asks how he can be so sure the emperor might be involved, Chevalier tells him it’s because that’s what he would do if he was Obsidian. 

No clue is too small or trivial, he reminds Nokto, and Nokto agrees to handle it. As for Clavis, he rightly assumes Chev wants him to double down on monitoring Gilbert - now that they know the king’s intentions, it’ll be even more problematic if Silvio and Gilbert are colluding in secret. Chevalier agrees that he has to be kept from partnering with Silvio by any means necessary.

And finally, Chevalier turns his attention to Emma and Rio. “You two should continue to keep tabs on Silvio’s doings, under the guise of entertaining him. You could say this would have more impact on the future of Rhodolite than picking her next king, isn’t that right?”

Emma pledges to do everything she can to win over Silvio…thinking that she wants him to be an ally of Rhodolite, no matter what it takes.

…Because, she doesn’t want to think of him as an enemy. For some reason, she feels very strongly about that.

Chevalier holds his amused peace…but Rio remains silently pensive, which catches her attention.

After they leave the foreign faction office, she stops and turns around. “Rio, is everything alright?”

He smiles and asks what she means, and Emma tells him that she was wondering if something had happened to make him seem so lost in thought back there. 

Thinking back, she realizes he was rather uncharacteristically quiet in the meeting as well.

“Ahh, sorry. It’s nothing -” he starts to reassure her with a smile, before he gives up. “...That’s not going to work on you, is it.”

“No, it’s not,” she agrees. She’s not dense enough to miss the way her friend of the past three years has been acting strange lately. 

He offers her a wry smile, and frowns with a troubled expression. “I thought I’d better make up my mind after hearing what Prince Chevalier said.” When a confused Emma asks him what he means by that, Rio goes on sadly. “I am a coward, just like Prince Silvio said. I just want to be with you forever and I’m….afraid to remember the past.”

Admittedly to herself, Emma feels the same though. She used to help look for clues to Rio’s past, but the thought of being separated had her missing him. Life together had become so comfortable, that she gradually stopped trying so hard as well, because if Rio remembered who he was he would have to leave. She’s been avoiding the whole matter ever since because of that.

“But I can’t afford to be so naive anymore,” Rio says. “Now that Benitoite is leaning toward Obsidian, I…for the sake of your beloved country, I have to face the past.”

“...What do you mean?” Her heart tolls ominously, almost afraid to hear what Rio will say. 

“...I’m sorry. Truth be told…I already know who I am,” Rio admits, smiling sadly before resting his forehead on her shoulder. 

He had been acting strangely lately, and she’d wondered… “Did you regain your memory?”

He tells her not yet, but he’s met someone who knew him. “I am -”

A voice interrupts his confession. “Hey, a butler and a noblewoman shouldn’t be flirting with each other in the middle of the hallway.”

They both startle, and Emma finds herself yanked from behind, nearly falling over. Then there’s an oh-too-familiar cloud of exotic cologne surrounding her, and an oh-too-familiar warmth against her back. “...Prince Silvio.”

He has, she’s convinced, the worst possible timing ever. She can’t help but stare at him.

“Huh? What’s with the cheeky glare?” he scowls back. 

“Enough! Seriously, can you please, just for once, not get in my way?!” Rio scowls at Silvio., who offers his own scowl and hurls back the fact that a butler shouldn’t be trying to boss him around. “And, don’t you dare hug Emma so casually, you asshole of a big brother.”

Silvio accuses Rio of dropping all his polite fancy talk, and an angry Rio says he decided he was finished acting like a servant towards Silvio.

“Oh, feeling ballsy now are we? You bastard -” Silvio begins furiously.

But it’s Emma that interrupts this time. “H-hold up, wait just a minute!I could have sworn I just heard the craziest thing come out of Rio’s mouth just now.”

Maybe she just imagined it? But she’s preeeeetty dang sure she heard right when she heard him say ‘asshole brother’.

“Ah…yeah,” Rio acknowledges. “He’s my older brother.”

“Bro-” Emma reels. “Your big brother?

“Yep. Seems that way,” Rio agrees.

The wheels spin, but get nowhere…until it finally sinks in for Emma, for real. “WHAT?!”

<< Chp 12 | Chp 13 (His POV) >> (tbc)

@violettduchess @brightvalkyrie @pkmnmstrchf @faeriesplaygames @curious-skybunny @strawberryxlove @rikumorimachisgirl @sallylovessweets @wordycheeseblob

[theimaginativelyreticent]

IkePri Election 2024

*I'm not sure if I'll upload every story. It'll depend on my spare time and diligence. Hahaha. But Chev, Gil, Sil, and Clav will surely be in the list.

*Let me know if you want me to upload the others aside from the four. --those who are already listed below. (I actually received a lot of requests so the list just got longer🤔)

*anyway, I haven't obtained those without links yet. (I'm not so aggressive with the event and so I'm taking my time. Hahaha)

Rio

Leon

Gilbert

Silvio

Nokto

Licht

Chevalier

Clavis

>>> d o n e <<<

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